Ellie Perka

Partner

Seattle

Tel 206.223.7070
Fax 206.223.7107

Ellie Perka is a top ranked construction lawyer and litigator, known for delivering client wins in complex cases across the United States. Recognized by Chambers USA for her industry acumen and courtroom presence, her work has caught the attention of major media outlets like the Washington Post and CNN. Clients have described Ellie as “savvy,” with an “excellent command of the industry” and a “star in the courtroom.”

Ellie’s practice encompasses a broad range of sectors within the construction industry, representing both owners and contractors. Her thoughtful approach, strategic thinking, and adaptability secure successful outcomes for her clients in complex disputes. Notable projects she has advised on include the Pacific Northwest's Sound Transit Light Rail system, the Mexico-United States border wall, and Honolulu’s Skyline rail system, reflecting her ability to handle both small private projects and large public infrastructure challenges.

With her strong litigation background, Ellie also excels in counseling clients during all stages of construction, including drafting and negotiating complex construction contracts, focusing on safeguarding her clients’ varied interests and minimizing disputes. Her deep connection to the construction industry began with her father, a Vietnam War veteran who founded a heavy civil construction company the year she was born. She cares deeply about her clients and the industry responsible for building and maintaining the critical infrastructure that keeps our society functioning and safe.

Services

Representative Experience

Representative Matters

Represented specialty subcontractor in private arbitration payment dispute concerning the $4 billion SR 520 Bridge Replacement project, connecting Seattle to communities east of Lake Washington; achieved sweeping win for contractor client, with an award of 93% of damages plus all attorneys’ fees and interest.
Represented public agency in King County Superior Court litigation concerning $968 million project for the new International Arrivals Facility (IAF) at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport; after extensive motions practice and document discovery, out-of-court settlement reached between the parties.
Representing general contractor hired by a public agency to construct student housing facility at Utah State University in an ongoing trial in the Third District Court of Utah concerning owner delays, design errors, and inefficiencies.

Representing public agency in ongoing King County Superior Court litigation with amount in controversy in excess of $200 million; achieved recent summary judgment win dismissing $20 million of contractor’s claimed damages with further dismissal motions pending and a jury trial scheduled for 2026.
Represented protestor in $800 million bid protest at the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and appeal at the U.S. Court of Federal Claims which included substantial motions practice and a highly-contested hearing implicating then President Trump's national emergency declaration on the Southern Border.
Represented partnership of two port districts in $30 million+ dispute with marine contractor concerning delays, damages, and impacts, including liquidated damages, on a large-scale renovation project aimed at upgrading the terminal and berths to accommodate larger cargo ships.
Successful defense of contractor against more than $50 million in alleged delay and increased construction costs in AAA Arbitration regarding explosion during a hospital expansion project; panel awarded client entirety of its requested contract balance, change orders, and attorneys' fees.
Representation of numerous specialty subcontractors hired to construct the $2 billion replacement of Seattle's Alaska Way Viaduct in disputes with joint venture after tunneling machine malfunction that caused delays and additional construction costs.
Represented owner and general contractor and achieved successful dismissal of multi-million dollar claim by subcontractor asserted after work was complete, in violation of the notice and claim provisions in the parties’ contract; briefed and argued winning motion at trial and in appellate court.
Obtained temporary restraining order on behalf of joint venture of multinational construction firms after the joint venture was terminated for convenience on preconstruction phase of $2 billion GC/CM alternative publics work project.
Appointed as Special Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for second-most populous county in Washington in private arbitration and on appeal to the United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit concerning construction delays and changed work.
Prevailed in obtaining court-ordered injunction and negotiated consent decree on behalf of contractor client in a series of high-profile anti-harassment lawsuits concerning complex First Amendment issues in Washington and Oregon.

Professional Highlights

Professional Activities

Washington State Bar Association, Construction Section, Executive Committee, Treasurer

American Bar Association, Forum on Construction Law

William L. Dwyer Inn of Court, Barrister Member

Recognition & Accomplishments

Chambers USA, Construction (Washington), 2023-2025

The Best Lawyers in America, Construction Litigation, 2021, 2026; Construction Law, 2023-2026; Employment Law – Management, 2025, 2026

Thomson Reuters, "Washington Super Lawyer," Construction Litigation, 2022-2025

Thomson Reuters, "Washington Rising Star," Construction Litigation, 2014-2015

America's Top 100 High Stakes Litigators for Washington, 2020

Speaking Engagements

"Revolutionizing E-Discovery With Artificial Intelligence," Washington State Bar Association, Construction Law Section, June 14, 2024

"COVID-19 Impact Claims – An Overview," The Seminar Group, May 31, 2024

"Washington Construction Law Update,” Washington State Bar Association Annual Seminar, June 2, 2023

"Expert Witnesses in Construction: Heroes or Villains,” American Bar Association Forum on Construction Law, September 29, 2022

“Bid Protest Actions in Construction,” Washington State Bar Association Annual Seminar, June 10, 2022

Pro Bono Experience

In addition to her litigation practice, Ellie is a strong advocate for the rights of women and children, including women’s advancement in the construction industry. To that end, Ellie led a consortium of firms in challenging Washington State Department of Transportation’s exclusion of women-owned construction companies from Washington’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program. After threat of litigation, WSDOT changed course and reinstated women-owned firms into the program.

Judicial Clerkships

Hon. Joel M. Penoyar, Washington State Court of Appeals, Division II

Board Memberships & Community Service

Construction for Change

King County Bar Association, Washington Women Lawyers

Design Build Institute of America

National Association of Women in Construction

Publications

Author, “Washington Construction Law Deskbook,” Chapter 9, Alternative Delivery Methods, 2024 Update

Related Insights

Press Release

Hydrogen Fueling Station Wins Approval With Help From Ballard Spahr

Credentials

Education

Seattle University School of Law (J.D., cum laude)

University of Washington (B.A.)

Admissions

Washington

Oregon

U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

U.S. Civilian Board of Contract Appeals

U.S. Court of Claims